Urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly bladder infections (acute cystitis), are common bacterial infections that affect many Australians. Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, is frequently prescribed to treat these infections due to its effectiveness against common UTI-causing bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. If you’ve been prescribed cephalexin for a UTI or want to understand the typical dosing, here’s a clear guide tailored for Australian patients.
Typical Cephalexin Dosage for UTIs in Adults
In Australia, the usual dose of cephalexin for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections is:
- 500 mg taken orally every 12 hours (twice daily) for 5 to 7 days.
This dosing schedule provides effective bacterial eradication while maintaining convenience for patients. For some cases, especially if the infection is slow to respond or recurrent, the treatment duration may be extended beyond 7 days based on your doctor’s advice.
Alternative Dosing Options
- For mild or uncomplicated UTIs, some doctors may prescribe 250 mg every 6 hours (four times daily), which is a more traditional dosing approach.
- In more severe infections or complicated cases, higher doses up to 4 grams per day divided into multiple doses may be necessary, but this is less common for simple bladder infections.
Pediatric Dosage for UTIs
For children over 1 year old, cephalexin dosing is weight-based:
- Typically, 25 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into doses every 6 to 12 hours.
- For severe infections, doses can be increased up to 75 to 100 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
- Treatment duration for children usually mirrors adults, lasting 5 to 14 days depending on infection severity.
Important Considerations
- Complete the full course: Even if symptoms improve quickly, finishing the entire prescribed course is vital to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
- Take with or without food: Cephalexin can be taken on an empty stomach or with meals to reduce stomach upset.
- Renal impairment: Dose adjustments may be required in patients with kidney problems. Your doctor will guide you on this.
- Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergy before starting treatment.
- Side effects: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and mild stomach discomfort. Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.
When to Contact Your Doctor
- If symptoms do not improve within 48 to 72 hours of starting cephalexin.
- If you develop severe diarrhea, rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- If you experience recurrent UTIs despite treatment.
Summary
For adults in Australia, cephalexin is commonly prescribed at 500 mg twice daily for 5 to 7 days to treat uncomplicated bladder infections. Alternative dosing schedules such as 250 mg every 6 hours are also used depending on clinical judgement. Children receive weight-based dosing adjusted to their needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure effective treatment.